Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Resigns
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, is departing from the ice cream company after 47 years, mentioning that its previous ability to address social issues has been curtailed by parent company Unilever.
In a letter shared on social media by co-founder Ben Cohen on Greenfield’s behalf, Greenfield expressed that he could not “in good conscience” continue with Ben & Jerry’s — referencing a loss of independence to Unilever, which he claimed had previously promised Ben & Jerry’s autonomy concerning its social mission when it took over the brand over twenty years ago.
“For over 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry’s advocated for peace, justice, and human rights, not as mere ideas, but concerning actual events occurring in our world. It’s deeply disheartening to reach the conclusion that that independence, the foundation of our sale to Unilever, has vanished," Greenfield says.
Also Read: AMCEN: Newer Initiatives to Bolster Africa's Environmental Leadership
Ben & Jerry’s, recognized for its vibrant ice cream packaging featuring flavor names like Cherry Garcia and Phish Food, is also well-regarded for its liberal political stance — advocating on various social matters throughout the years.
Also Read: Virat Kohli: A Wrogn Way to Lead Fashion Forward
In his letter , Greenfield pointed out that the brand's loss of independence coincided with a period in the U.S. when the Trump administration “is undermining civil rights, voting rights, and the rights of immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community.”
"Advocating for justice, fairness, and our collective humanity is crucial now more than ever, yet Ben & Jerry’s has been muted, pushed aside to avoid displeasing those in authority," he stated.
Also Read: A Brief History of India's Transformation Under PM Narendra Modi
Conflicts between Ben & Jerry’s and its parent company have escalated in recent years, as the ice cream label has accused Unilever of suppressing its comments supporting Palestinians during Israel’s conflict in Gaza, among other issues. Greenfield’s exit comes as the London-based consumer goods giant is separating its ice cream division into an independent entity named The Magnum Ice Cream Company.